If you have a child playing sports or interested in athletic pursuits, one of the best decisions you can make is making an appointment with a sports medicine doctor whose area of specialty is in sports injuries.
A comprehensive sports medicine evaluation can not only keep your child at the top of their game, but also reduces the risk of sports injuries. What young athletes receive is specialized care from a trained expert in all conditions specific to their sport.
Below, we are going to talk more about the role of sports medicine in youth athletics and where you can find a top sports medicine doctor in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL.
Injury Prevention
Sports medicine in youth athletics is key to minimizing the risk of injuries while on the court or field. A sports medicine doctor educates your child on how to prevent sports injuries specific to their sport, which is very important to do since children are still growing and developing.
A sports medicine doctor can assess your child’s physical health, biomechanics, and training regimen to identify potential risk factors for injury. From there, the sports doctor can implement an individualized program that covers nutrition, training and conditioning, and injury prevention to lower your child’s risk of injuries.
Accurate Diagnosis and Specialized Treatment
Sports injuries can be the result of trauma or develop over time. Early and accurate diagnosis is very important to getting your child on the road to recovery. If an injury occurs, a sports medicine doctor has the unique expertise to quickly evaluate the issue and determine if it is a pulled muscle or a tendon injury and apply treatment immediately. Sports medicine doctors can perform further testing with the aid of imaging technology to diagnose injuries such as fractures.
Monitored Rehabilitation and Recovery
After an injury, sports medicine professionals guide athletes through the recovery process. The sports doctor will protect the injured area with a bandage or a splint to support recovery. It is important for your child to rest and give the body time to heal. Ice, compression, and elevation also help support recovery.
Before your child returns to play, they will need to complete an individualized rehabilitation program, which may include a series of exercises for strengthening and restoring function. The return-to-play protocol involves a progressive series of stages or steps that gradually increase the level of activity and intensity for the injured athlete. These steps are designed to assess the athlete’s tolerance to physical exertion and monitor for any recurring symptoms or issues.
Optimizing Athletic Performance
Sports medicine in youth athletics encompasses more than just injury management. Sports medicine doctors can also help with optimizing the performance of young athletes. For young athletes with asthma, a sports medicine program can help them keep playing their sport safely. They will discuss the goals of the young athlete and work closely with their team of coaches and trainers to develop a training plan that helps in improving overall athletic performance. This is key to helping your child reach their full potential.
Psychological Support
Youth athletes often face immense pressure, both on and off the field. Sports medicine professionals recognize the importance of mental health and offer psychological support to athletes who have been injured or are facing great pressures that may affect them mentally.
Sports doctors are trained to help athletes cope with stress and anxiety associated with sports participation and illness and injury, using an integrative treatment approach, which may include other specialists. By fostering a positive mindset and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, they contribute to the overall well-being of young athletes.
Sports Medicine Services for Young Athletes in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
A highly trained and experienced sports medicine team can make a big difference in your child’s health and safety in athletics. To give your child an advantage and the best in sports medicine, choose the sports medicine doctors at Total Orthopaedic Care.
Our orthopedic surgeons have advanced training in sports medicine and can provide comprehensive care for young athletes, who have unique needs compared to adult athletes. We provide expert treatment for sports injuries and help young athletes enhance their performance and maximize their potential.
For any questions about our sports medicine services or to schedule an appointment with a top sports physician, call our office today at (954) 735-3535 or use our convenient online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to assisting you and planning for your child’s orthopedic care.
